Will Borgen: The Defensive Anchor of the New York Rangers

Will Borgen has quickly become a standout player for the New York Rangers since his arrival via a trade from the Seattle Kraken. Known primarily for his defensive prowess, Borgen has consistently proven himself to be a reliable presence on the blue line, bringing a physical edge and strong skating ability to the team. However, in a recent 4-0 victory against the New York Islanders, Borgen showcased another facet of his game—one that has left fans and coaches alike buzzing with excitement. His ability to jump into the play and unleash a wicked shot has added a new dimension to his already impressive skill set.

A Shot That Stole the Show

The highlight of the game came during the first period when Borgen scored a shorthanded goal, extending the Rangers’ lead to 2-0. The play began with Will Cuylle taking a hit near the blue line, allowing Sam Carrick to break away on a shorthanded rush. Carrick, with his sharp hockey IQ, left a perfectly timed drop pass for Borgen, who joined the play and fired a laser-like shot into the back of the net. The goal was not only a clutch moment but also a display of Borgen’s underrated offensive skills.

When asked about the play, Borgen remained humble. "Cools made a nice play, took a hit to make a play, to get the puck out," he said, referring to Cuylle’s selfless effort. "Sammy was going, and I saw a little room and I joined along, and he had a nice drop pass to me. Kind of got lucky," Borgen added, downplaying his role in the goal. Despite his modesty, the goal was anything but lucky. It was a testament to Borgen’s ability to read the play and capitalize on the opportunity—a skill that has endeared him to both his teammates and the coaching staff.

Will Cuylle: A Key Contributor for the Rangers

Borgen wasn’t the only star of the show that night. Will Cuylle also had a standout performance, contributing to multiple scoring plays and showcasing his versatility as a player. Cuylle’s determination and physicality were on full display, as he not only set up Borgen’s goal but also scored one of his own. His goal came when Zac Jones’ shot deflected off his helmet and over the shoulder of Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin. The tally marked Cuylle’s 17th goal of the season and highlighted his ability to be in the right place at the right time.

Cuylle’s performance that night was part of a larger trend. Over his last seven games, he has accumulated six points, including four goals and two assists, giving him seven multi-point games on the season. His consistent production has made him a valuable asset to the Rangers, and his willingness to play a physical, gritty game has earned him the respect of his peers.

Borgen’s Larger Impact on the Rangers

Borgen’s influence on the Rangers extends far beyond his offensive contributions. Since being paired with K’Andre Miller in the last 27 games, he has been a key factor in stabilizing the team’s defense. His ability to skate effectively and defend against top opponents has been a game-changer for the Rangers, allowing them to compete against some of the league’s toughest teams.

Head coach Peter Laviolette has been quick to praise Borgen’s all-around game. "He’s been great ever since he’s come this way. His skating and his ability to defend makes it difficult on the opposition. He’s physical, he plays with an edge. He makes good plays to get out of our end. And then you love to see him jump up in the play like that," Laviolette said. Borgen’s ability to transition the puck out of the defensive zone and join the rush has been a major asset, and his physicality has brought a much-needed edge to the team’s blue line.

The Bigger Picture: A Winning Culture

While Borgen’s recent heroics have been a major talking point, they are part of a larger story unfolding within the Rangers’ locker room. The team has been fostering a culture of accountability and camaraderie, and players like Borgen and Cuylle are at the heart of it. Their willingness to do the little things—whether it’s blocking shots, taking hits, or celebrating each other’s successes—has created a winning environment that extends beyond individual performances.

This culture was on display when the team celebrated Brett Berard’s recent goal, a moment that held special significance for the young forward. Berard, who had been sent down to the minors earlier in the season, had worked tirelessly to earn another opportunity with the Rangers. When he finally scored, the bench erupted in celebration. "It’s awesome to see," said Jonny Brodzinski, who has been playing alongside Berard. "Especially Beebs, getting sent back down, he was extremely bummed with that. I just told him, ‘You’re going to get another shot.’ Happy